A Meal That Feeds the Heart: Honoring a Legacy at TMH Cancer Center

Some days, food does more than fill you up—it feeds your soul. Recently, our Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center team experienced one of those days, thanks to a heartfelt gesture from Wharf Casual Seafood.

In celebration of 40 years of serving our community and in honor of what would have been the birthday of the restaurant’s founder, Early Duggar, the Wharf brought a special lunch to our caregivers. Early, who bravely battled a brain tumor for more than five years before his passing in November 2020, received care at the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center. His family’s visit reminded us of the enduring connections formed between patients, families and caregivers.

During the visit, Stephen Duggar, Early’s son and current owner of the Wharf, reconnected with Kurt Roof, Chief Therapist of Radiation Oncology, who cared for his father throughout his treatment. Stephen shared that Early actually looked forward to his appointments at the Cancer Center. He felt cared for. He felt known. And, perhaps most memorably, he always asked for a warm blanket—every single visit, even if he wasn’t really cold. It’s a small reminder that care is about more than medicine; it’s about comfort, compassion and human connection.

Early Duggar’s legacy lives on in many ways: through his family, his deep love for the community, and the business he built alongside his wife, Eva. Stephen and the Wharf team—Carli, Steven, Maurice, Michael, Michelle, and Maryellen—honored that legacy beautifully, giving back to the caregivers who serve others every day. Their thoughtful gesture not only nourished our team but also touched our hearts.

We are grateful for families like the Duggars, who remind us that the bonds formed with our patients extend far beyond the walls of the Cancer Center. 

If you feel inspired by stories like Early’s, we invite you to support the mission of the TMH Foundation. Your generosity helps ensure that every patient and family receives not only exceptional care, but also the compassion and comfort that make moments like these possible. To make a gift, please visit TMH.ORG/Donate.